Assessment Newsletter (SPECIAL EDITION)

Wyoming Department of Education sent this bulletin at 04/21/2021 11:41 AM MDT

Update from the Wyoming Department of Education  |  view online |  website

WDE Assessment Updates

04/21/2021  |  SPECIAL EDITION

CLARIFICATION ON THE PAUSE RULE

Pausing the WY-TOPP Assessment

The Wyoming Department of Education's policy on the pause rule has not changed. The WDE Assessment webpage houses resources, including Assessment Best Practices, which provide information for achieving a valid test administration. Some particulars to remember, found in the 'During Testing' section, include:

  • Bullet 2 - Test earlier in the day to allow time for test administration and for those who may take longer to complete a content area; this is also when students are more alert and may be more engaged and successful.
  • Bullet 3 - Do not break up individual tests as students build upon knowledge as they progress.
  • Bullet 11 - Ensure that test security measures are followed, including discussing test questions and handling secure test materials.

SAME DAY PAUSING - Teachers can pause testing and allow students to do the following while ensuring no discussion of test items occurs: 

  • A student needs to use the facilities.
  • A group may take a stretch break or snack break as long as security is ensured; this does not include recess.
  • A student(s) can eat in a supervised location where no item discussion can occur.

PAUSING OVER MORE THAN 1 DAY - Situations that may be more unique and may require teachers to pause a test session for more than 1 day include the following:

  • A student goes home sick or injured and is unable to continue testing.
  • Parent/guardian unexpectedly picks up a student.
  • There is a situation causing an unplanned school closure.
  • There is a technology failure at the testing site.
  • A student has an accommodation, for testing over multiple days, written in their IEP or 504 Plan. 

Before a student pauses a test, teachers should ensure the student reviews their answers and finalizes their responses. If the test is paused for longer than 20 minutes, the student will be unable to return to and review previously viewed items.

For more information, contact Jessica Steinbrenner, WDE Supervisor of Assessments, at 307-777-8568 or jessica.steinbrenner@wyo.gov.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

  • September 1-June 18: WY-TOPP Modulars.
  • January 13-April 27: SAER System Open to Accept WY-TOPP Exemption Requests.
  • March 2-April 23: WY-ALT Assessments.
  • April 13-May 7: WY-TOPP Spring K-2 Interims.
  • April 13-May 7: WY-TOPP Summative Assessments, grades 3-10.
  • April 19-30: WorkKeys Test Administration Window.
  • April 20-23, 26-30: ACT Test Dates for Paper Accommodated.
  • April 20-22, 27-29:ACT Online Test Dates.
  • April 27: WIDA Screener for Kindergarten Q&A Webinar.